stark message left on her answer phone. He had told
her bluntly that he was going to marry her best friend.
He hoped she would understand and they could remain
friends. She could still hear every word. It was burnt into
her memory for ever.The first two sentences build up to the answer phone
message and the ones after the topic sentence expand it.
Choosing a single sentence paragraph
It is important to vary the length of your paragraphs. Occa-
sionally you can use a single sentence paragraph but don’t
use it too often. It is sometimes used for dramatic effect.
Kate was relaxing in the drawing room with a book when
she heard the front door bell. Idly she speculated about
the visitor. It was no doubt someone for her aunt. After all
no one knew where she was. She heard the door behind
her open and her aunt’s voice informing her she had a
visitor. Turning quickly, she gasped.
Mark stood in the doorway, looking sheepish.In the previous example the single sentence paragraph
stands out starkly after the build up to it in the previous
paragraph.
Summing up
Your opening paragraph should provide an introduction to
your work and the last one a conclusion. Make sure the
opening sentences are interesting so the reader will want to
read on. Your paragraphs should work for you. Vary the
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